Resilient Together: The Point
Resilient Together: The Point
Resilient Together: The Point
WHAT IS RESILIENT TOGETHER AND RESILIENT TOGETHER: THE POINT?
The city of Salem’s Sustainability and Resiliency Department is responsible for supervising sustainability, energy, and
resilience initiatives across the municipal government and in collaboration with the residents of Salem. This includes
managing programs and projects, as well as collaborating with other Departments and local organizations. Since 2022,
we’ve supported various activities to further Resilient Together: The Point, a neighborhood-focused extension of the
broader Resilient Together Climate Action and Resilience Plan led by the cities of Salem and Beverly that concluded in June
2021. This project focuses on The Point (El Punto), a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood in Salem, identified as a
high-priority area due to its heightened vulnerability to climate risks and socioeconomic challenges
In particular, we’ve been working with residents and non-profits in the El Punto neighborhood to identify climate
resiliencepriorities and to build capacity to actively participate in public decision-making processes. In this process,
we’ve developed two working groups under the Resilient Together: The Point/ El Punto umbrella: the Participatory
Action Research (PAR) Community Researchers and the Climate Resilience Leadership Council (CRLC). Each of these
working groups has omplished several things over the past year and a half. For more information on the current
project's progress to date, visit the "Community Researchers" and "CRLC" tabs. For more information on earlier phases
of Resilient Together: The Point, please visit the "Timeline" tab.
Welcome to The Point (El Punto)
A resilient, vibrant, and culturally rich neighborhood in Salem, MA The Point—also known as El Punto—is one of Salem’s
most dynamic and diverse neighborhoods. Located just south of downtown, it has long served as a welcoming home for
new immigrants and families seeking opportunity, community, and connection. Today, The Point is a proud, majority
Latine/x neighborhood where over half of the residents identify as Latine/x and nearly a quarter speak Spanish at home.
A Community of Strength and Identity
The Point is known for its strong social bonds, cultural vibrancy, and deep-rooted community pride. It is home to:
- Locally owned businesses
- Active community organizations
- Affordable housing
- A rich cultural identity that reflects generations of resilience and creativity
Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience
Despite its many strengths, The Point faces significant challenges. It is designated as an Environmental Justice
and Disadvantaged Community by both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal Climate and Economic
Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). Residents are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including:
- Flooding
- Extreme heat
- Poor air quality
- Housing insecurity
The built environment in The Point is especially susceptible to urban heat island effects and stormwater flooding.
Many residents are renters, and a majority are considered housing cost-burdened. Language isolation and limited economic
opportunity further compound these challenges.
Community-Driven Priorities
Residents and community leaders have identified key priorities for improving quality of life in The Point:
A Vision for the Future
The City of Salem and its partners are committed to supporting The Point through inclusive planning, investment, and action.
Over the past decade, efforts have included:
- Renovating and building affordable housing
- Supporting small businesses and workforce training
- Enhancing parks, sidewalks, lighting, and green spaces
- Expanding social services and public health outreach
As climate change continues to pose serious risks, The Point is at the forefront of Salem’s resilience planning.
The neighborhood’s unique assets—its people, culture, and community spirit—form the foundation for building a safer, healthier,
and more equitable future.